Local running reaches a new high as the AIA Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by ASICS returns in full electrifying force, with its fourth night race cutting through the city’s most storied landmarks when the gun fires at 12:01 a.m. tonight at KM 0, Rizal Park.

What follows is a night-long celebration of rhythm, endurance and Filipino spirit that promises to transform Manila into a glowing festival of movement and music.

Over 9,000 runners — more than double the participation since the event launched four years ago — are set to surge across Manila’s illuminated streets. This year’s turnout cements the race as one of the country’s biggest and most anticipated running spectacles, a testament to how deeply this fusion of sports, entertainment and culture resonates with the local community.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, featuring four race categories (5km, 10km, 21km and 42km), is famed worldwide for its blend of athletic grit and musical energy, and Manila’s edition has embraced the spirit wholeheartedly. Runners will conquer the course accompanied by live bands, DJs, ensembles, themed stations, and the series’ beloved heavy finisher medals, designed to make every stride feel like a step inside a nighttime street concert.

The midnight gun start adds an irresistible thrill, cooler air, glowing lights, and an atmosphere pulsing with anticipation. With a 7-hour-30-minute cutoff, runners of all paces can savor the full Rock ‘n’ Roll experience at their own rhythm.

Adding a heartwarming new dimension is the debut of the AIA 1km kids’ run, a family-friendly category created to welcome children into the world of fitness and inspire the next generation of runners. It symbolizes the event’s evolution — not only expanding in scale but also deepening its community impact.

Star power will also shine along the route, with AIA Brand Ambassadors Solenn Heussaff and Will Dasovich leading a roster of celebrity participants including Barbie Forteza, DJ Chacha, Kim Atienza, Selena Reyes, Kristoffer Martin, Aira Lopez, Dominique Roque, Lance de Ocampo, Gazini Ganados, Elilienne Vigier, Andre Felix, Jose Atienza, triathlete Faith Garcia, and volleyball standout Ced Domingo. Their presence helps personify the sport, making the experience welcoming and inspiring for kids, families and first-time runners.